Environmental Considerations

Environmental Considerations

Hardcopy film is environmentally unfriendly. With the growing use of digital imaging, Sunshine Coast Medical Imaging is giving doctors the opportunity to lower the impact on the environment by not receiving hard copy films by replacing them with electronic reports and images – in other words, go “filmless”.

Other benefits in going filmless:

Convenient – you no longer have to wait for films as the images will be sent directly to your referring doctor together with a report from our radiologist.

Efficient – films are never lost or forgotten as they are always stored securely and are available on request from any of our clinics.

Greater image quality – your doctor will have the ability to see more, through high quality digital images.

Reduces storage and handling – less films cluttering space.

If your referring doctor elects to go “filmless” once you have completed your medical imaging examination, you will no longer have to wait for x-ray films. The images will be sent electronically to your doctor’s computer together with a report from our Radiologist.

IMPORTANT: As always, you will need to follow up directly with your referring doctor regarding the results.

What if I want a copy of the films for my own reference or for on referral to a specialist?

You can still request films at the time of your examination or anytime in the future by contacting any of one of our five clinics. If post examination, please provide 24 hours notice prior to the time you require the films.

Where are my images kept?

Your digital images are securely stored electronically on our PACS (Picture and Archiving Communication System). Our computer servers are located in a secure and environmentally controlled data centre to ensure they are protected from fire, water and electrical failure so your patient records are easily accessible at all times.

Will my images be kept safe and private?

Sunshine Coast Medical Imaging takes your privacy and the security of your medical records very seriously. We have implemented a sophisticated electronic image delivery system where the information is encrypted and can only be accessed with a secure password by referring doctors. For more information on how we protect your personal information please read our Privacy Statement.

Request a copy of the relevant films and advise your preferred clinic for collection.

Step 3

If collecting in person, proof of identification and a signature will be required at the clinic. If a patient agent or carer is collecting films on your behalf, he/she will be required to provide a letter from you authorising collection. They will also need to provide identification. This is to help protect your privacy.

To get a copy of our Medical Record Access Request Form, please click on the link below;